An Exploratory Study to Identify Obstacles and Enablers to Communication about Erectile Dysfunction Following Cardiac Trauma

Previous literature demonstrates a lack of qualitative research into communication between healthcare professionals and patients about issues of sexuality, in the area of cardiovascular disorders. To explore changes in sexual functioning following serious heart trauma and resultant psychological effects; as well as barriers and enablers to communicating about sexual difficulties between patients and professionals. Non-experimental qualitative design using semi-structured interviews, and analysed using IPA aided by the computer software Atlas.ti.

In total, seven cardiac patients (A) and six cardiac nursing professionals (B) took part in the study. Interview schedule (A) focused on 'Experience of heart problems', 'Psychological experience of heart problems', 'Relationships', 'Sexual Relationship', and 'Communication'. Interview schedule (B) focused on 'Experience in Cardiac rehabilitation', 'Experience of Sexual Difficulties in Patients' and 'Communicating about Sexual Difficulties'. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse data and identify key themes for both groups.

Over-arching themes demonstrating psychological effects experienced by patients were 'Importance of Sex', 'Lack of Understanding' and 'Psychological Input'. Barriers to communication identified by both groups included 'Culture and Diversity', 'Embarrassment', 'Self-Worth' and 'Professional Issues'. Enablers to communication identified by both groups were 'Information', 'Training and Education' and 'Professional Issues'.

The study highlighted that ease of patient-professional communication was vital for effective treatment and well-being of patients. It stressed the need for focused sensitive information for patient awareness, as well as education for professionals in sexual dysfunction and its association with cardiac trauma, and training in communication skills regarding sexual issues.

Recorded in June 2011 at the 20th WAS World Congress for Sexual Health
Forging the Future: Sexual Health for the 21st Century, Glasgow, UK.
The World Association Of Sexual Health athttp://www.worldsexology.org